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Friday, 6 May 2011

Vogue 1236 DKNY dress

Remember me?? Like the UK we have had a bumper crop of public holidays here in Hong Kong recently and we still have another one next Tuesday. You might think this would mean I get more sewing and blogging done but the opposite seems to be true, I get thrown out of my usual routine. Not that I'm complaining! Besides I can't sew all the time, not least because my closet is sadly too small.

I have made a dress - not the one I was planning to make of course, but another DKNY from the recent batch of Vogue patterns - V1236.

I almost didn't buy this because it is a pretty basic dress and I am sure I have something similar somewhere, but I'm glad I did. It is, like all DKNY patterns I have tried, cut really well and as a bonus it is incredibly easy to sew. I just made a straight size 12, no alterations based on the finished measurements printed on the pattern and this turned out fine.

I used a semi sheer dot large spotted cotton fabric - it's sheer between the spots so I interlined with a taupe/gold china silk. The effect is very subtle - I did experiment with brighter colours but it looked like cheap tacky lingerie!

The original pattern is unlined and has combined neck/sleeve facings so I changed the construction a bit due to my fabric. I attached the lining at the neck and sleeves and then made bias strips for these edges, turned to the inside and topstitched. I left off the beltloops and pockets as usual though I do think they are rather cute - maybe next time.

I've had to lighten these photos so you can see the fabric so ignore the fact I look like a blurry pale ghost.

Despite its simplicity I think this is a very versatile pattern, this version can work for day or night, but I can see some more summery ones in my (too small) closet in the future.

41 comments:

If I were making this for myself I'd definitely include the pockets and add cap sleeves. I love your fabric choice and the champagne silk lining. I love this colour and it's one I buy in large quntities (besides black and white of course) to have at hand for the spur of the moment projects.

I din't think very much to this pattern when it first came out, because I thougt it too simple for my taste - then I saw what you've done to it. I've changed my mind! we have a 40% off sale coming up so it's now on my list. I really like your use of fabrics and, as ever, the cut and fit look great on you.

I love your dress! I just made my version in a cobalt blue printed cotton sateen for a summer look. I almost passed up the pattern but gave the subtle drafting a second look and figured this would be a winner.

One thing I did omit was the pockets. After spending time matching the print at the pocket openings, I decided my fabric was too delicate - rats :(